Quote by "Well-Regulated" Definition
""The phrase 'well-regulated' was in common use long before 1789, and remained so for a century thereafter. It referred to the property of something being in proper working order. Something that was well-regulated was calibrated correctly, functioning as expected. Establishing government oversight of the people's arms was not only not the intent in using the phrase in the 2nd amendment, it was precisely to render the government powerless to do so that the founders wrote it.""

— "Well-Regulated" Definition

Oxford English Dictionary historical analysis by Brian T. Halonen

Historical Significance

Linguistic evidence showing "well-regulated" meant "properly functioning," not "government controlled"

Context

Scholarly analysis of 18th-century meaning vs. modern interpretation

Context

Scholarly analysis of 18th-century meaning vs. modern interpretation

Historical Significance

Linguistic evidence showing “well-regulated” meant “properly functioning,” not “government controlled”